The fact that the US is hoarding radiation illness drugs may be a disturbing sign of the times. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS)-related blood cell damage affects both children and adults. It can be treated with the aid of Amgen’s blood disorder medicine Nplate, according to a $290 million plan revealed by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Wednesday.
A high dose of penetrating radiation is capable of “hitting inner organs in a matter of seconds.” I is what causes ARS, also known as radiation sickness, according to a release from HHS. ARS injuries can manifest as low platelet counts, which can lead to uncontrolled and potentially “life-threatening” blood clotting problems.
Ukraine has been distributing potassium iodine tablets that help lessen radiation absorption
The Amgen medicine is approved for use in both children and adults. However, there is an exception of immune thrombocytopenia, which causes low platelet counts.
In addition, it appears that anti-radiation pills are being provided in Ukraine due to growing worries about a nuclear assault from Russia. The Kyiv City Council has reportedly been distributing potassium iodine tablets that help lessen radiation absorption, according to NBC News. The medicines stop harmful waves from entering the body through the thyroid gland when taken close to nuclear radiation exposure.
Notably, the Nplate stock-up coincides with escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Moreover, HHS did not clarify the motivation behind the action. Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened nuclear retaliation and characterized the conflict as an apocalyptic battle between Russia and the West.
The White House is taking the threats seriously
Putin may or may not be lying, experts differ. But according to Reuters, the White House is taking the threats seriously. Ukraine’s neighbors, notably Poland, are reportedly delivering iodine tablets. It is a result of shelling near the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia, for which Russia and Ukraine trade blame.
Nplate was jointly developed by the West Coast biotech Amgen and the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). It has more recently gained recognition for its significant partnerships with vaccine players at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The blood disorder drug was also developed with help from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
In addition to giving the $290 million in Project Bioshield cash to purchase the unidentified Nplate supply, BARDA is using its jurisdiction under the Project Bioshield Act of 2004 for the current agreement.